Ash Grunwald, Jordie Lane @The Governor Hindmarsh,Adelaide (17/07/10)

Mon 19th Jul, 2010 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.

On Saturday 17th July 2010 the Gov was shaking with thumping bass, junk percussion, guitar shredding solos, and a howling voice. Who gave Adelaide one of the best gigs of 2010? Byron Bay’s Ash Grunwald of course!

Melbourne musician Jordie Lane began the night showcasing his variety with folk, country and soul featured seamlessly. Backed only by Matt Green on bass and mandolin; Jordie showed charisma and talent with his guitar and harmonica lead storytelling. The audience was chatty through most of his almost hour-long set so he tried any banter to get a response even the cliché “who’s drinking alcohol?” The set featured tunes off his 2008 EP Sleeping Patterns and it was the songs connected to real-life experiences that stood out, particularly Saint Mary’s Bells about the time when his mother comedian Denise Scott had to choose which of the two family dogs to keep.

The sold-out Adelaide crowd were buzzing with energy in the break, helplessly waiting for Ash Grunwald to grace the stage. The set was introduced by Ash’s vocals being mixed while each band member gradually added layers to the track and finally Ash leading it into Get it back, a track of the latest album which was recorded in DJ Debris’ studio in the Adelaide Hills.

It is hard to believe that latest album Hot Mamma Vibes is already Ash’s fifth! The set showcased the album and how his already popular soul-bluesy rock blends perfectly with electronica. Adelaide marked one of the many stops on Ash’s national tour, taking in both regional and capital cities. The set featured favourites off Fish Out of Water as well as many tracks off his latest album. Crowd favourites included the sing-a-long of gospel song John the Reveller, as well as Tear the Roof Off and a stunning cover of Moby’s Natural Blues, as if it was written for him.

Ash brought a strong backing band on tour giving a wider range of sounds to previous tours. Benny, Kanchana and Fingers Malone dominated the multitude of instruments filling the stage from a junk percussion kit with a car door, bongos, drums, keys and various electronic effects. Fingers Malone on keys and drums was scaling the edge of the stage for much of the set but it was nice to see crowd members help nudge his hi-hat back on stage. Every member on stage got their chance to shine through extended percussion breaks and solos.

The highlight of the night was the musical magic happening on stage between the four talented musicians. It felt like we were watching them jam in a garage proven by the many improvised moments, which is testament to the freedom and friendship between this group. Ash didn’t even let a broken string break his momentum during Mojo off Fish Out of Water as he improvised a verse about the challenges guitars bring and then singing his guitar solo while playing air guitar. He also strayed away from his set list as he accepted many crowd requests.

After witnessing Ash Grunwald play live many times before, it is clear that he is getting more talented and is the live act to see. He never stops smiling, swinging his dreads around, delivering face melting guitar solos, and a powerful voice. The Gov was shaking from the bass and can’t wait for his return.

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.